NFU Mutual warns farmers of likely increase in rural crime as clocks go back

Rural insurer, NFU Mutual, is warning farmers that theft costs have been the highest in the autumn and early winter months of 2021 and 2022. In 2022, there was a 22.1% rise in the cost of rural crime to an estimated £49.5million.

NFU Mutual is concerned that the darker autumn/winter nights, with less people out and about, could lead to an increase in thefts. They say thieves use a range of tactics including online mapping websites to find where valuable farm equipment is kept and work out routes to break in without being disturbed.